UK Parkhome Ground Rent for now deceased relative

[JennyChe]

I am the Executor of the Will of my deceased aunt but it is in dispute with my brother who was left off the will. The Parkhome is on the market as no other money is in the estate. The site owner now wants me to start paying ground rent.

I have on 3 occasions got legal advice but all verbal over telephone stating I do not need to pay as this is not personally liable and will be from the estate. Does anyone know the official stance on this and any official wording I can refer to reference the site manager to and the actual law? TIA

It is probably worth seeing a solicitor in person about this. We are going through probate for my aunt’s estate and advice on things like insurance and utilities has been very useful (as her house is empty) to stop us overpaying when it will come from her estate.

The advice you have received is correct. An executor is not personally liable for any debts owned by the estate unless you have distributed the estate prematurely. That is the law. You do not have a contract with the site owner. The contract was with your aunt and is now with her estate. Many solicitors set this out on their websites, but you could simply ignore the site manager. The site cannot recover the debt from you personally. Any attempt to do so will fail.

You aren’t personally liable. Obviously the debts will accrue and need to be paid off before transfer of title.

I wouldn’t stress over this, they are just doing their job. The estate will settle any outstanding amounts at sale of property, it’s on the market. I’d price it competitively for a quick sale. Sorry for your loss.

Thank you I struggle with wording these things let alone have knowledge so it is a good point on the contract. Thanks for your help